Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Early the next morning.

Still nestled beneath the covers, Frank could hear the chirping of birds in the courtyard, almost like a subtle nudge to rise and begin the day. Blinking his bleary eyes, he glanced downwards at the girl nestled in his embrace.

She was deeply asleep, a smile lingering on her lips. Frank traced the delicate features of her face, from her beautiful brows to her eyes, nose, and finally her lips, ending with a gentle touch to her ear.

He wondered, would the baby resemble the girl more or himself? If it were like her, it'd be adorable, but if it took after him, it'd be handsome.

Those who were self-absorbed would never see it in themselves, just like a drunkard would never admit that they were drunk.

He couldn't tell how much thad passed while gazing at her, but she sought comfort and warmth in his arms, snuggling closer. Wrapping his arm around her within the blanket's embrace, he nestled his chin atop her head, gently inquiring, "Are you ready to get up? Should we head out in the morning or wait until the afternoon?" Ava mumbled from within the embrace, "Mmm, yeah. I'm getting up. Just five more minutes, I'll be up soon, | want to go in the morning." "We can go tomorrow if you can't get up now, you know?" Frank suggested, seeing her eyes still closed, a sign of being half-awake.

"No, today is the day. You promised to be my husband today. No backing out. Don't you want to go?" Ava instantly woke, lifting her head, her gaze challenging him, despite him towering over her.

Frank chuckled softly, an uncommon explanation, perhaps inspired by Grace's words. "No, last night | already told my parents and told Grace that we're getting the marriage license today, Ava. It's not that | didn't want it before; | just didn't want to constrain you with those papers." Ava thought to herself, "Not that he didn't want it? "Does that mean he wanted it?" "Okay, let's get up." Ava's focus wasn't on her belly now but on the marriage license. She quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed.

Her swift movement prompted Frank to caution, lowering his voice, "Take it slow, no rush." Upon hearing his reminder, Ava eased her pace, delicately stepping down from the bed. Frank swiftly leaped off the bed to the other side, agilely guiding Ava inside the bathroom, where a mat had been laid on the floor to avoid her slipping and falling.

"What do you plan to wear?" "A white dress would be perfect for me. And | think it would complement well if you opt for a white shirt as well," Ava suggested to Frank.

"Sure, I'll go with that," he complied with the young girl's arrangements, acknowledging her choice.

Thirty minutes later, Ava and Frank were dressed in matching white attire. Ava was adorned in a white dress, while Frank sported a white short-sleeved shirt.

Having seen Trevon's divorce certificate and marriage license, both featuring a red background, Frank pondered that wearing white attire did seem fitting for the occasion.

Hand in hand, they descended the stairs together, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a wedding scene.

In the living room, Daniel and Emma awaited them, almost resembling parents seeing off their daughter for her wedding. Daniel's eyes reflected a trace of reluctance as he gazed at his daughter walking down the stairs.

Noticing Daniel at home, Ava sweetly called out to him, "Dad, aren't you supposed to be at work now?" "Your brother and sister-in-law went to the company, so I'm staying at htoday. Are you and Frank going to get the license now?" Daniel glanced at Frank, inquiring about their plans.

"Yes, we're heading there now," Frank confirmed before turning to the girl beside him. "But let's grab sbreakfast before we go," he suggested.

Ava missed the sandwich sold outside school. "I miss the breakfast from the breakfast shop near school. Can we go there?" Frank glanced at his mother-in-law, who nodded in agreement, and responded, "Alright, let's go have it now." Emma nodded gently at Frank, softly advising, "Drive carefully and take it slow on the road." "Dad, Mom, we're heading to the city hall now. Goodbye, see you later." "Alright, see you," the Tuners echoed in unison.

As Daniel watched his daughter and son-in-law leave, he let out a sigh. "You know, ever since Frank cinto her life, Ava's anxiety seems to have vanished. No matter how hard we tried to comfort her before, there was always a hint of unease in her eyes." Being unable to comfort his daughter was a bit disheartening for Daniel as a father. Nonetheless, he understood the situation.

Emma gently patted Daniel's hand, expressing, "The sense of security we provide and what Frank brings to her is distinctively different. Let's ask about their wedding plans once they return." Daniel nodded affirmatively, acknowledging, "Indeed, Ava's belly is still relatively small. If it grows larger, she might face difficulty fitting into a stunning wedding gown." He was aware of his daughter's fondness for elegant attire. Ava undoubtedly held certain expectations for her wedding dress.

Sapphire City University's main street.

The extensive line formed outside the breakfast shop spoke volumes about its popularity and implied the delectable flavors of its offerings. After all, who would endure a wait of fifteen to twenty minutes for an average breakfast unless the food was truly delightful? Ava and Frank, both masked, blended in as mere passersby within the hustle and bustle of this lively crowd.

Ava stood in front of Frank, enveloped in his protective embrace. Frowning at the three customers ahead of them, Frank thought that the restaurant owner could expedite the process a bit; his pocket was itching, tempting him to offer a bribe to those ahead for a swifter turn.

He asked Ava, "Are you feeling tired?" Ava turned around, blinking her eyes as her lashes fluttered. "No, not really. It's almost our turn. Don't worry; the boss here works pretty efficiently." Luck seemed to favor them; there were merely four people ahead in line when they had arrived.

However, following their arrival, the crowd noticeably swelled, a clear indication that the summer holiday had coerced everyone to cling to their beds longer. The early risers had already secured their breakfast and commenced their day, while the second wave of customers consisted of late risers catching up on their morning meals.

Hearing that she wasn't tired, Frank dismissed the notion of attempting to expedite their queue through bribery.

Instead, he patiently persisted, tenderly caressing her head, gently guiding it back with his large hand, and speaking in a deep voice, "Let's wait a bit longer, then." Ten minutes later, it was their turn. The owner of the restaurant asked, "What would you like to add to your food, young lady?" To hasten the process, Ava swiftly placed her order, "I'll have sausage, lettuce, crispy pancake, and... oh, chicken cutlet. And this one... seafood sauce, but not too much." In a quick flurry, she listed eight ingredients, then turned to Frank, asking, "What about you, Frank? What would you like to add to the sandwich?" "I'll have the sas yours," Frank responded, intrigued by the combination of ingredients she selected. They seemed appealing. Jim hadn't added as many ingredients when he bought breakfast for him the last time.

It comprised mainly sausage, pork, pickles, shredded potatoes, and cucumbers, yet the flavors blended harmoniously, resulting in a delightful taste. It was no wonder that Jim enjoyed eating them.

"Sir, another of the same, please." The owner was happy, working swiftly as he replied. "Sure, just wait a minute." This dish was often recommended by Alex, so Ava was well aware of its price and quickly paid the bill, which totaled 12 dollars.

As the food was being prepared, Frank inquired, "Would you like something to drink? Perhaps not too much milkshake for now as you are pregnant." "I'll take smilk. The milk they serve here is always fresh," Ava replied, swiftly grabbing two packs of milk and placing them in the bag. The boss was occupied, allowing customers to help themselves without verification, yet no one dared to attempt cheating or not paying for their food.

Holding the milk in hand, Ava turned towards the boss who was busy making sandwiches. "Sir, I'll take two packs of milk. That's two dollars, right?" The boss handed over the food to Ava. "Indeed. You seem to be a regular guest here, young lady," he remarked.

Frank received the breakfast, and Ava courteously nodded, offering a smile that remained hidden beneath her mask, unseen by those around her.

In the car.

Frank aided Ava in inserting the straw and proceeded to assist in unwrapping the breakfast, carefully covering it with tissue to prevent oil from soiling their hands. "Here, have your meal. I'll keep a hold of the milk for you," he offered kindly.

Ava declined, "Oh, you don't have to actually. It might get cold, and then it won't taste good. That's what Alex always says. So you should eat quickly; There is a cut holder in the car anyway. | put it in." After she said that, Frank didn't move, still hesitant. Ava nodded subtly, gesturing for Frank to eat.

It was only after that moment that Frank placed the food down, taking a hearty bite. He maintained a serious demeanor when it cto eating, regardless of whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner. By the tAva had consumed only a third of her meal, Frank had already finished his milk.

Observing that Frank had completed his breakfast, Ava instinctively quickened her eating pace. Frank reassured her, "There's no need to rush; we still have plenty of time." Saying so, he once again offered the milk to Ava's lips. She took a sip, feeling a sense of delight and immense happiness. It seemed like all her troubles had vanished in that moment.

In the company of loved ones, a simple breakfast could fill one's heart with profound joy. That, undoubtedly, must be the essence of love.

Simultaneously, Frank experienced a similar sensation. Witnessing his beloved girl radiate a bright smile, all his concerns seemed to dissipate. Smiling in tandem, he hoped she would continue wearing that radiant smile eternally. He observed her eating without so much as a blink, clutching the milk in one hand and tissues in the other.

Had Hackett observed the scene, he might have disrupted the atmosphere by remarking, "What a foodie!"